SELINSGROVE, PA - The University of Scranton men's basketball team put together a balanced offensive performance on Saturday afternoon, earning a 75-65 win over Susquehanna University to improve to 12-1 overall and 5-1 in Landmark play this season.

The Basics

• Final Score: Scranton 75, Susquehanna 65
• Record: Scranton (12-1, 5-1 Landmark)

How It Happened

• Susquehanna jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the opening three minutes, with Hamilton Roth accounting for Scranton's lone bucket early.
• The Royals quickly found their rhythm, responding with a surge over the next four-and-a-half minutes to grab their first lead at 14-13, sparked by a trio of three-pointers from Ben Robinson, Josias Carbon and Luca Baratta.
• The game remained tight as the half continued, with the lead changing hands several times. Jon Spatola drilled a three-pointer at the 3:12 mark and followed with a pair of free throws to push the Royals in front 32-27. The River Hawks added two more points before the end of the period as Scranton took a 34-29 lead into the break.
• The Royals began the second half strong, opening the second half with a 7-4 run over the first five minutes. Brendan Carrsparked the push, hitting a three-pointer just 1:30 into the period, while Sammy Tornabene and Nick Ruisi added two points apiece to help Scranton build a 41-33 advantage.
• Susquehanna pushed back, cutting the deficit to just two points at 43-41 with 13:31 remaining. During the stretch, the River Hawks scored six points at the line, while Scranton's only basket came on a layup from Josias Carbon, allowing Susquehanna to outscore the Royals 8-2 and close the gap. The two teams continued to exchange blows over the next few minutes, but Scranton retained the lead thought the half.
• With Scranton leading the River Hawks 53-51, the Royals ran away with the game over the final seven minutes, going on a 22-14 run to close out the game. Carr led the way with eight points and Roth scored six points during the final stretch of the game, closing out a 75-65 win for the Royals.

Inside the Box Score

• FG%: Scranton 47.9%, Susquehanna 30.6%
• 3PT: Scranton 9-20, Susquehanna 1-20
• FT: Scranton 20-26, Susquehanna 26-37
• Rebounds: Scranton 27, Susquehanna 50

Top Performers

• Jon Spatola: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 6-6 free throws
• Brendan Carr:  15 points
• Sammy Tornebene: 7 points, 6 rebounds

Up Next

• Scranton returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 14, against Lycoming College, with tip off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the John Long Center.